The future F-47/NGAD next-generation fighter has risen in price by $400 million
The US Department of Defence has increased funding for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme by allocating an additional $400 million for the development of Boeing's F-47 advanced fighter jet.
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The additional funds will be used to support the development of the F-47 prototype and prepare for its serial production. In total, the NGAD programme has already cost the Pentagon $8.73 billion, of which $2.33 billion was allocated in 2024. However, these amounts may not take into account the costs of infrastructure, personnel training and preparation of production facilities.
It should be noted that at the end of March 2025, Boeing won the NGAD competition, receiving a contract to complete the design of the sixth-generation fighter jet, which involves an investment of more than $20 billion.
Illustrative image of the new fighter jet. Illustration: 19fortyfive
As part of the programme, both companies unveiled their experimental X-Plane aircraft: Boeing in 2019 and Lockheed Martin in 2022. The aim of the programme was to reduce the risks in the development of the sixth generation production aircraft.
General Charles C. Alvin said that the United States would be the first country to receive a finished sixth-generation aircraft. According to him, the development was carried out in strict secrecy, which took potential adversaries by surprise and strengthened the US air superiority. He also emphasised that the F-47 will be cheaper than the F-22 and better suited to future threats.
Source: Armedservices
